A Friendship Forged in Youth
During their high school years at Turramurra High in Sydney in the mid-1980s, Gabby Amadio and Russell were inseparable companions. Their bond was platonic, though Gabby admits she was probably in love with him at some point. They shared cultural experiences with Gabby's mother, Nadine, an author and arts editor for the Financial Review, attending opera, ballet, and theatre performances together.
Russell was a frequent visitor to the converted church where Gabby and her mother lived, often offering to help with household tasks. They spent time listening to music and hanging out, with Russell attempting to teach Gabby about football—a sport she found tedious but watched because he enjoyed it.
Paths Diverge
After Gabby left school in 1984 to study art and Russell pursued mechanical engineering, their circles gradually drifted apart. Gabby would occasionally visit Russell at the servo where he worked in Pennant Hills, but their contact became sporadic. By 1991, Gabby had completed her studies and moved to Cairns with her boyfriend, whom she later married, leading to a complete loss of touch with Russell.
Life's Challenges and a Fresh Start
The following years brought significant challenges for Gabby. Her marriage ended in 2003, and she moved with her ailing mother to Lemon Tree Passage near Nelson Bay. After her mother's passing in 2009, Gabby faced a difficult decade that included failed IVF attempts and relationship breakdowns.
By early 2020, Gabby was ready for renewal. She sold her home, purchased a caravan, and planned to travel freely—until COVID-19 lockdowns intervened. During this period of isolation, she found solace in creative pursuits like jewellery-making and painting, as well as swimming and spending time with her dogs. She had resolved to remain single and enjoy her own company.
The Search and Surprise Reconnection
Despite her contentment, Gabby found herself thinking about Russell and wondering about his whereabouts. She attempted to find him on Facebook, sending a friend request to someone with his name, only to discover it was the wrong person. Then, in June 2025, she received an unexpected message from another Russell asking, "Are you the Gabby who used to live in the church in Turramurra?"
Russell was living in Adelaide, and their first phone conversation lasted three hours, instantly rekindling their connection as if four decades had vanished. They began talking nightly, reminiscing about school days, childhood memories, and shared experiences with Gabby's mother.
Romance Blossoms Across Distance
Russell, whose first marriage had ended years earlier, quickly expressed romantic interest, though Gabby initially hesitated. Within two months, he bought her a plane ticket to visit him in Adelaide. During this trip, their bond deepened over dinner at an oceanfront restaurant, where Gabby felt safe and calm with him, describing the experience as like coming home.
Their shared history created a foundation of trust that Gabby had rarely experienced with others. They decided to pursue a long-distance relationship, with Gabby having purchased an old church in Mount Russell, New South Wales, which she planned to renovate.
The Moment of Realisation
During a phone conversation, Russell offered to help with the renovation, leveraging his project management skills. When Gabby resisted, he insisted, saying, "He told me my mum would have wanted him to help, so he would." It was this statement that made Gabby realise she was in love with him.
A Proposal and Future Plans
In October 2025, they attended their 40-year school reunion in Sydney, planning to surprise classmates by arriving as a couple. During a road trip stop in Port Stephens, Russell proposed over dinner. Gabby, who had never expected to find another partner at this stage of her life, accepted.
Now, they travel to see each other every few weeks, supplementing visits with long phone calls. Gabby cherishes Russell's mind and curious nature, looking forward to their future together. While wedding plans remain uncertain, Gabby has already purchased a beautiful Camilla dress for the occasion, confident that her mother would have been delighted by their reunion.
